Strides Arcolab gets FDA approval to market skin disease drug in US

Drug to be manufactured at Bangalore facility and marketed directly by Strides in the US

Strides Arcolab has received regulatory approval to market a skin disease drug in the US.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed the company to sell Methoxsalen capsules of 10 mg strength, Bangalore-based Strides Arcolab said in a statement.

The US market for generic Methoxsalen capsules is pegged at about $13.6 million, with no generic player, the company said, citing IMS data.

"The product will be manufactured at the company's FDA-approved oral dosage facility in Bangalore and marketed directly by Strides in the US," the company said.

Methoxsalen is used to treat psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo and some cutaneous lymphomas in conjunction with exposing the skin to UVA light from lamps or sunlight. It modifies the way skin cells receive UVA radiation, clearing up the disease.

Strides Arcolab shares gained 8.5% to Rs 594 on the BSE in the afternoon.